Class of 2012

The ASP have just released the competitors for 2012’s Dream Tour and, honestly, not a whole lot’s changed. The only fresh faces are Kolohe Andino and Yadin Nicol, both of whom are real, real exciting additions. Unfortunately, Dane Reynolds is gone. But, we’re used to his absence from WT events after his lack of attendance this year, and it’s hard to imagine him resisting any wildcards next year (and there will be wildcards – think Quik events). Kai Otton was the next highest surfer on the World rankings and scooped a wildcard for 2012. And, the four alternatives for the year’ll be Freddy Patacchia, Willian Cardoso, Chris Davidson and Thiago Camarao. Who’s your bet for the title next year? Is Gabs Medina, with the advantage of a full year on tour, gonna live up to the hype? The man who could stand in his way is, as we all know, a hard man to predict. Will we see Kelly Slater on tour in 2012? Numerous times, the king’s mentioned that Snapper always sucks him in for the year. Come February, we’ll know. For now, he’s your 2012 lineup: